Colleagues tribute to murdered teenager: “Paige was a blessing in our lives”

Liz Gallacher

The colleagues of murdered teenager Paige Doherty have paid tribute to the junior hair stylist, describing her as “a blessing in our lives.”

Paige (15), originally from Bishopbriggs, worked part-time at Street Image at Broadfoot in Kirkintilloch.

A member of staff posted on the firm’s Facebook page: “It is still unbelievable that I am writing these words, my team and I are absolutely shattered with the loss of our junior Paige, a blessing to have in our lives.

“We cannot begin to imagine the pain her family are feeling at this time.”

The body of the 15-year-old was discovered in a wooded area of Clydebank, just off Great Western Road, at about 12.45pm on Monday.

The teenager, originally from Bishopbriggs, was last seen on Saturday morning as she made her way to work at the hairdressing store.

She had left a friend’s house in her home town of Clydebank at 8.15am and was believed to have been planning to catch a bus to work.

Her heartbroken mum Pamela Munro wrote on Facebook: “We are absolutely devastated, as will many people who know her will be xxx.”

Police said they are treating the teenager’s death as murder and have appealed for help in tracing her last movements.

Speaking from the scene on Tuesday, Detective Superintendent Duncan Sloan said: “The body of a 15-year-old girl who was found here yesterday, I can now confirm was positively identified as Paige Doherty who was reported missing from Clydebank on Saturday evening.

“I want to announce that this is being treated as a murder investigation.”

Mr Sloan, of Police Scotland’s major investigations unit, did not reveal the nature of the teenager’s injuries but said a post mortem examination would take place on Tuesday afternoon.

The detective said he is “open to all motives” for the assault.

He described Paige as a “warm” girl with a future planned ahead of her.

He added: “My condolences go out to the family and friends of Paige. Clearly this is an extremely harrowing time for the family and friends, and I really just want to say my heart goes out to them,” he added.

“We will do all in our power to investigate this and bring some answers as to the circumstances leading to the death of Paige Doherty.”

Forensic officers continue to work at the site where her body was found.

A large area is cordoned off and a police tent remains in place.

Mr Sloan said: “I am appealing to members of the public - we need to piece together the movements of Paige from 8.20am on Saturday when she went missing until we find the body at around 1pm on Monday.

“Anybody who knows Paige, please come forward with any information around her lifestyle or any reason why you think somebody would have attacked Paige.”

He added: “Has anyone even seen suspicious cars parked here? Please come forward because even with the smallest piece of information, we’ll follow up on it.

“This is the main thoroughfare for Clydebank heading into Glasgow city centre. It’s busy and we have high rise flat’s overlooking it. “That’s why it’s important that anybody who has maybe parked or stopped here themselves comes forward, because if we do get any sightings of vehicles or people, it will help us to eliminate.”

The schoolgirl, who was 4ft 8ins and slim, with long dark hair, was wearing a dark jacket, jeans and white Nike trainers when she went missing.

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